Jian Sword
Jian Sword
The Slicing Sword
Medieval Europe and ancient Asia are the focal points for the history of swords. In both parts of the world, weaponry, swords and armor in particular, were an essential part of life and death. However, different aspects of the swords were highlighted and developed in each of the different cultural areas. In Europe, for example, swords were meant for function first and foremost, while in Asia , they served an aesthetic purpose as well. In both parts of the world, the designers were craftsmen and scientists at once, working with the materials to develop something that would be stronger and more durable all the time. They also worked with the warriors to find out what worked best, what they needed, and what elements were not so necessary.
The first swords in medieval Europe were designed to cut and slash the opponent. Most of these were one-handed swords, freeing the other hand to hold a shield for protection. The development of more advanced armor, however, required a shift in sword design so that the weapon could get into the spaces in the armor. As a result, swords were designed more to thrust and pierce. In other words, the swords needed to be able to be aimed into the small openings of armor. To meet this end, swords became longer, thinner, and with stronger and sharper points.
In Asia , the story was quite different. The makers of swords focused more on improving what they already had. The swords did not undergo an evolutionary development to the extent that they did in Europe . Instead, they honed in on technique and began to develop style. Asian values demand a great appreciation for the creation of something, and in this appreciation comes a high standard of esthetics. Beauty is held in great esteem in Asia , so the swords became admirable pieces of craftsmanship. The Japanese Katana, for example, is a very simple design. It is the simplicity, however, that makes it such an efficient weapon because it is made with such high technique and skill that its strength and durability are undeniable.
The Japanese Samurai evolved from a class of people who were originally guards at the castles and centers of government. They became masters of war and eventually became highly regarded in the society as a dominant class of respected people. They took such pride in their work as warriors that the disciplines of their practice became an ingrained quality of the culture. In fact, the reason that the martial arts have survived and enjoyed so much popularity even today is because of the great pride and admiration that the Samurai demanded.
The Samurai also demanded nothing but the best in their weapons. The development of the katana and its superior quality is a direct result of the strength of mentality of the Samurai class of people.
By the middle ages, sword-making became specialized in every region of the world. Every area was known for its special style and design. The Longswords of Europe, for example, and the Chinese Jian are just a few. Later on, in the latter part of the middle ages, swords were developed that we are more familiar with today including the Scottish ???, the Japanese katana and the European rapier. These swords had much more ornate designs incorporated into the functionality of the weapon.
Indeed, the sword has undergone an amazing evolution from simple dagger to long, sleek, strong and beautiful sword.
http://www.theslicingsword.com
RobR
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_Rashford
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Legendary Heroes (Legendary Weapons of China / The Shadow Whip / The Shaolin Intruders / The Deadly Breaking Sword) $20.77 Genre: Foreign Video – ChineseRating: UNRelease Date: 2-JUN-2009Media Type: DVD… |
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The Sword $9.89 Studio: Tai Seng Entertainment Release Date: 03/18/2003 Run time: 84 minutes… |
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Drunken Sword $32.95 This is a Contemporary Wushu performance of the Drunken style straight sword. This DVD has not only instructional material but also real competition performances filmed in Hungary and Brazil. The performer, Eric Yao, has a good sense of martial movement and this adds an intensity to the Drunken Sword performance. There is also an interesting section at the end showing Yao practicing and overdubb… |
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Northern Shaolin Sword-Kun Wu Jian and Its Applications [VHS] $37.95 Improve your balance, strength, focus, and martial skills with this elegant and deadly Sword form, dating back to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911A.D.). Mastering the art of Kun Wu Jian will bring you deeper understanding of the art of the Sword, a wider variety of applications and techniques, and greater power. Sword training is one of the highest accomplishments in Chinese martial arts. Northern Shao… |
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Northern Shaolin Sword-Qi Men Jian and Its Applications [VHS] $37.95 Improve your balance, strength, focus, and martial skills with this elegant art by Qi, Ji-Guang, the Official Guard of Dong Mou Xian, famous for defeating hordes of raiding Japanese pirates during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 a.d.). Mastering the art of Qi Men Jian will bring you to the highest levels of understanding in Chinese swordsmanship, training not only your body to peak condition, but your… |
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Northern Shaolin Sword-San Cai Jian and Its Applications [VHS] $42.70 Improve your balance, strength, focus, and martial skills with this elegant and deadly form, the only known Sword sequence that matches itself, so that it can be practiced both solo and with a partner. Mastering the art of San Cai Jian requires extensive physical training, which will result in a strong, finely-tuned body and mind. As self-defense, San Cai Jian will improve your perception, timing,… |
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Art Of Chinese Swordsmanship: Manual Of Taiji Jian $10.40 … |
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Taiji Jian 32-Posture Sword Form $17.95 The Sword Form is an important aspect of the popular Chinese martial art, TÃ ijÃquan. The 32-Posture Sword Form, from the point of view of the physical movements only, is not complex, but there is a significant amount of other information, relating to the applications, that is open to interpretation. Written by an experienced teacher of TÃ ijÃquan, this book provides a detailed descript… |
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29 Form Chen Family Taiji Sword $25.50 29 Form Chen Family Taiji Sword is the most shortcut entry routine to learn Chen Family Swordsmanship. Based on the traditional Chen Family Sword, this form is designed elaborately and is made the prime part of Chen Family Sword. Being strong and firm in actions as well as smooth in connection, this form not only remains the unique feature of Chen Family Sword,but is easy to learn and master. Besi… |
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White Jian Yin Yang Tai Chi Sword $28.99 The Tai Chi is a design that dates back for centuries, Its slender blade and handle design are well known for balance and power. The Classic White Martial Arts Yin/Yang Tai Chi Sword is a classic piece equipped with a 30″ stainless steel blade with sleek white handle surrounded by cast metal, brass plated guard and pommel. Includes custom white sheath with corded rope and brass tip and collar…. |
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Bamboo Stick Sword Katana $22.45 The Bamboo Stick Sword Katana features a look and finish of natural bamboo giving this sword a great eye catching look. The handle and scabbard have the natural look of bamboo, and both have been designed in sections to look like bamboo stalk. The blade is 27 1/4 inches of 440 stainless steel. The blade color is stamped brass. 41 inches overall…. |
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Hanwei Adam Hsu Sword Bag Carrying Case Black Tai Chi Jian $38.99 Constructed from black high-density nylon with shoulder strap, carrying handles and reinforced leather bottom. Zippered outer compartment for maintenance supplies. Made to fit Jian Straight Swords or similar style/size swords (taichi, taiji)…. |
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Taiji Jian 32-Posture Sword Form (Paperback) $18.55 Description not available. |
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Forging the Sword $6.64 In the final, engaging book of the Farsala Trilogy, Jiann, Soraya, and Kavi continue to fight tirelessly against the Hrum to save their kingdom with only a year left. The future of their people hangs in the balance, and discovering a sword that can |
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Forging the Sword $15.04 Farsalans, including Lady Soraya and her half-brother, Jiaan, Kavi, and others, work relentlessly and often secretly in their sh |
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Chronicles of the Cursed Sword 7 $9.49 |
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The Sword $7.59 |
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Chronicles of the Cursed Sword 7 $9.49 |
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Chronicles of the Cursed Sword 7 $9.49 |
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Chronicles of the Cursed Sword 7 $9.49 |
Tai Chi Sword Form 32 Yang Taiji Jian
Where can I get a reliable "combat ready" sword Jian?
The term "combat ready" I mean that can take a beating and keep going. Even I keep semi-custom.
I have some of the best for http://www.chinese-swords-guide.com/Real-swords.html sale if you're near Australia. Otherwise the same high quality swords can be purchased in the U.S.. There is a link at the bottom of the page. These swords are sharp though. They are real "Battle Ready" sword, so I would not be be used for a real fight with a human being. We use them to cut bottles plastic, bamboo, mats, etc. Go you are looking for something to argue with, the use of a replica of wood or find a recreation group that can show where to get a blunt sword. The more real than the sword, the armor again have to actually use it. Have a read through that site I gave you the link. Has a lot of good easy to read information on Chinese swords and swordsmanship.
